Constructing Environments Logbook Journal Godwin Low
Tutorial #01 of Constructing Environments: Introduction to Construction Definition of key terms learnt this week: Masonry – stonework Load path – The arc traced by a turn oflogs along a skyline and generally plotted graphically to determine ground clearace. Compression – ‘Pulling’ Point load - A load which is localised to a specific location on a structure Beam – A long, sturdy, piece of squared timber or metal used to support the roof or floor of a building Structural Concepts: Loads and forces Construction systems: Construction Overview Materials: Introduction to materials Talks of 3 kinds of forces that happens to buildings was brought in by tutor Wil. It involves: -pushing (tension) -pulling (compression) -twisting (torsion) These forces can be largely affected by two other kinds of forces, them being: -Materials chosen
- Structure system
Forces are defined by direction, sense and magnitude Compression, tension and torsion are all characteristics of mass construction. Accompanying images also show of diagrams such as how a window is shown on an architectural plan, how certain tiny details are added to buildings to allow for better sustainability, etc.
ACTIVITY of the week: Tower building Objective: To have a tower built as high as possible with the least amount of blocks used, and an entrance fitting the size of a plastic model of a dinosaur was to be included in said tower Plan: (In image) My group came up with an idea that the tower built should be of a cylinder like shape instead of square/rectangle as it uses the least amount of bricks and at the same time has quite a high stability. The blocks were placed in mind with them having spacing in between to minimize the amount of blocks used and consequently have a simple but efficient design for the look of the tower. Action: There was no change of plan as the idea that my group came up with seems to be efficient and simple enough to carry out. i)
ii) iii)
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Our group first started with the outline of half a circle and as we measured the size of the dinosaur, the doorway was first built to ensure that the model of the dinosaur was able to enter. Our group then proceeded to build up the walls of the tower, the more time passed, the higher the tower was built At the point where the gate was being covered, our group decided to change the position of the blocks. Instead of having it lie down to ensure stability, we had the block standing vertically to focus better on its height. However as the lesson came to an end, the group was told to get rid of any unnecessary blocks, the tutor Wil reached into the base of the tower and pulled out a handful of blocks, surprisingly the tower remained standing.
(Pictures are placed according to number, in a clockwise fashion starting from the top left.)
Sources of pics: Jil Eng The lesson ended with Wil teaching us about how a door is built in real time and how the weight on the top, and all the other blocks are preventing the tower from falling down. At the end of class, we were given a piece of plywood to cut up in preparation for next weeks classes.
Tutorial #02 of Constructing Environments : Structural loads and forces Structural Concepts: Structural systems and connections Construction Systems: Construction Overview Materials: ESD and Materials Class today focused on load paths and reaction forces, showing how a reaction force and load path interacts. If a weight is not distributed equally on a beam, more of the weight of the objects move closer to the closest support. A reaction force will always go the opposite direction of the load path. As long as a structure is standing, there will always be equal opposite reaction to keep the building standing. Definitions of key terms learnt this week: ESD – Environmentally Sustainable Design Thermal Mass - Ability for stuff to store heat Night air purging – When you have built up heat problem and method is used to keep buildings cool by flushing out the hot air, storing cool air at night Frontal Ventilation – Used to control temperature in buildings Services system – water, electric, air, movement Dead load – Consistent Load Live load – Inconsistent Load Bracing – Serving to brace a structure, reinforcing it Structural Joint - A joining of two pieces of material in wood, metal or plastic by mechanical Frame – A rigid structure that surrounds something Column – An upright pillar, typically cylindrical, supporting an arch, entablature or other structures or standing alone as a monument Stability – The state of being stable; a level indicated of an objects ability to be able to collapse due to forces out of its control
ACTIVITY: FRAME The wood received from last week was told to be cut into slices as thin as possible, and after we were told to construct a building that is as high as possible, but at the same time has to be stable. Unfortunately our class didn’t have enough time to complete the activity due to lack of time. The only time we had for was for ideas. My group came up with the idea that a structure similar to the paris tower should be built as it’s a solid structure with little faults. The closest we got to was building the base of the tower, as we had to wait for the glue to set. The pieces of wood were cut too thinly, and as they were very brittle, it was extremely hard to glue them together in the first place. The following is a picture the closest our group got to by the end of the lesson.